Pleas Entered in December 22 Murder Case

Both men arrested for the alleged shooting death of 15 year old Javon Butler entered pleas during a brief court appearance Monday in Knox County Circuit Court.

18 year olds Alex Horton and Brandon Kenney entered not guilty pleas through their attorneys, and both asked for trials by jury.

Judge Stephen Mathers told Kenney a pre-trial conference was schedule for April 7 at 9 am and a jury trial could begin sometime around April 20.

As for Horton he’s jury trial is expected to take place some time in March, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for March 3 at 9 am.

Both individuals were indited by a Knox County Grand Jury January 17. Horton now faces a felony count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and a felony count of possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card.

Kenney is charged with four counts of first degree murder as well as a felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm and one count for unlawful possession of a firearm without a valid FOID card.